7 Mile Run (A) *166.25*

SANTA MONICA -- That's an "A" for adventure. An average adventure.

I set off without much ambition today, easing up on the pace knowing this would be a toughie if I pushed too hard after Monday's rally. After getting around to Carlyle, it was time to step it up a tad and the next mile was pretty quick. I'd say 9s, then mid 8s to low 8s.

I'm forgetting where, but somewhere on this jaunt -- pretty near the end -- that voice of despair arose. But the trick that has worked this time around is by applying a dose of extra effort. That voice is actually a bit of boredom. I've figured this out before, but it never really took. You can run your way out of it every time...at least thus far.

I was pretty tired. But I haven't eaten much today in the wake of that Cold Stone assault from last night, which was actually a needed blast of sugars. In a way, it got my body running smoothly again.

Anyway, this run was the first that seemed like my body was satisfied with where it was. I'm not satisfied, but my mind is a bit. It knows it can get through these runs and it wants to do it with the least amount of pain. But that doesn't get you anywhere. I'm getting there. Bit by bit.

Running.

My shoes have been real champs since I bought them in Chicago. But there was some kind of filth on them today that made me think they're getting pretty beat up already. Had them since April, I guess. That's a pretty long time. But I haven't run a whole lot since then. Maybe a 100 or 200. I'd guess closer to 100.